The Los Angeles Dodgers have been the winningest team in Major League Baseball since 2016, and a lot of that certainly has to do with boasting talented rosters, but credit has to be given to the stability and quality of the coaching staff under manager Dave Roberts as well.
The core five coaches of Roberts’ staff has largely remained unchanged since 2019, with some minor shifting of roles and departures. First base coach Clayton McCullough was one of the newest additions to the Dodgers coaching staff in 2021, replacing four-year incumbent George Lombard who joined the Detroit Tigers as their bench coach.
It was an internal promotion for McCullough, who had spent six seasons with the organization as the Dodgers’ Minor League field coordinator prior to 2021. Since joining the Dodgers, he has helped contribute to the team’s three consecutive 100-win seasons, including a franchise-record 111 wins in 2022.
McCullough reportedly was among the candidates to become the new Chicago White Sox manager, but that no longer is the case, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN:
In non World Series news, the White Sox are getting closer to hiring a manager. Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough and Padres special asst A.J. Ellis are both out of the running, per sources.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) October 27, 2024
A.J. Ellis, who once played for the Dodgers and now is in the San Diego Padres front office, withdrew himself from consideration for the White Sox managerial opening. McCullough was eliminated from consideration by the White Sox.
It previously was reported the White Sox had interest in Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann as well. It’s not clear where Lehmann’s standing is as Chicago nears a decision on hiring their new manager.
The White Sox fired Pedro Grifol as manager in August.
Clayton McCullough interest
During his time in the Dodgers organization, McCullough has continued to receive interest from other clubs for a manager position.
Over recent years he’s interviewed with or been connected to the New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Guardians and Kansas City Royals during their respective searches.
McCullough is also believed to have recently interviewed with the Miami Marlins.
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